[Tim Price]

The saxophone has long been considered to be the most versatile musical instrument.The spontaneity of an artist doesn't flow from an unrehearsed consciousness. It flows because they thought about things hard and honestly, as to obtain a level of direction within their performance.

To obtain total creative control, it must be thought about, studied, listened to and internalized even more. When I heard Michael Brecker play in concert the thing that struck me was how he used changes in volume (dynamics) to great effect. Sure, he played fast, high and split notes etc BUT it was his use of dynamics that floored me. Listen to the 30 second long, almost inaudible Low B at the end of Delta City Blues. Get my drift?!? Another great example is Stan Getz, on the CD " Sweet Rain", listen to the dynamics of the entire recording. Especially " Litha". How about Coltrane on " Stardust", or Coltrane on " Lush Life" ? The majority of Trane guys never approach the Prestige / Blue Note Coltrane conceptions, just the later/modal stuff.


Check these You Tube sounds- Listen to the artist

Stan Getz - On Green Dolphin Street (1989)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5vs6bWxIUk&feature=related

Dizzy & Stan & Arnie Lawrence - It Don't Mean A Thing/ Check the originality of Arnie Lawrence on alto, this guy by the way set a pathway!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCb7pzb507k&feature=related

Gene Ammons & His Sextet - My Foolish Heart (78)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kggJ-KfNXOA

Coleman Hawkins - Indian Summer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDOXkDFr35M

OR- A MODERN MASTER - Like Charles Lloyd; With- Eric Harland,Geri Allen and Bob Hurst.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S85RFSoXOdk&feature=related

The saxophonist must uncover the spirit of the work through skilled analysis- and thought, and then apply this to the performance. The quality and value of the music goes up many levels as this is employed.

I ask you my friends to add some ldeas you have, of favorite recordings, CD performances that demonstrate this.

 

[dha]

Dynamics...yes. Listen to the great big bands..Count Basie..18 guys playing at pp and then elevating to FF. That is what makes the chart sing. The greats talked through the horn, they spoke using the instrument as if they
were speaking to us. An idea,notes as words sometimes layed back and quiet and a couple of words or short phrases, then a build to a louder dynamic as the conversation and ideas , the story is unfolded, a little more excited, vital expressing the tunes meaning.. a conduit for the tune, for the composer, just as an actor in a play is interpreting the words and ideas of the playwright. Ah... I wish I had more years to explore the wonderfull art form of what we call jazz music.

 

[saxpiece]

My main dude for dynamics is Beethoven.

The first movement of the 9th and the first movement of the 5th, none better.

 

[Tim Price]

My main dude for dynamics is Beethoven.

The first movement of the 9th and the first movement of the 5th, none better.

:soapbox: oh yea !!! I'm there,,,,:headbang:

:bighug::cheers: